Disclaimers: The Defender-class light corvette details and descriptions can be found on Star Wars' Wookieepedia website, and "Star Wars: The Old Republic" wiki website. The Defender-class light corvette comes from Bioware and Electronic Arts' video game, "Star Wars: The Old Republic".

Acknowledgments: Thanks goes to SwingingBeskar for helping me brainstorm this chapter. :)

Sorry for the long delay. This chapter was a beast to figure out. It took a few rewrites, just to get it figured out. At first, I thought this chapter was going to be a filler, but there is a lot going on in it.

So, with that said, let's continue with the story. :)

Janus followed her new friends, Helen the Shapeshifter and Jock, over by the waterfall. The mountains sure were huge and grand. Janus wondered why they didn't explore this part of Kyber Grove yet. It looked glamorous.

"Janus, come on!" Helen said, taking the lead, but not before gesturing to Jock to move forward.

Jock shook his head. "I am in no way going to act rudely in front of two women. Ladies first!" He gestured with his furry, spotted paws towards the cave, standing to the waterfall's left. Helen huffed, taking her leave inside the cave entrance. Janus followed Helen, noticing Jock trailing after her.

The cave's catacomb-like tunnels wound their way for a time, coming out into a metal ceiling, metallic floors, and silver pipes. The scent of oil wafted the air. Janus was lucky to have not gotten sick from the scent of oil drifting through her nostrils, intensifying them to a great degree. Control panels and holoterminals lined the area, while encased in metallic frames and covers. It was a wonderous spaceport to be inside.

"Janus, let's go!" Helen cried, following Jock down the left hallway towards their ship. Janus sighed, taking her leave of the first hallway and entering a second metallic hallway with Helen and Jock trailing ahead of her.

At last, the trio made it inside a grand metallic hangar bay, upon which there was a control room right upstairs with windowed walls covering the room. The ship, a Jedi starship that went by the name, the Defender, proved to be a Defender-Class Light Corvette. It's front was shaped into a bow, with laser cannons hulled on either end of the bow, while an hour-glass shaped body encased its torso, leaving with its thrusters serving as the ship's back-end. This Jedi starship had red and white coverings, with the cockpit showing in front of its bow-like head. Janus was more than impressed with this ship, and even more so that the ship's metal ramp came down from underneath the ship's bow-like head. Janus looked at the others, watching Helen and Jock make their way up the ramp, with Janus joining them inside the ship.

The ship's interior proved to be satisfactory. Janus was welcomed by the ship's interior with much grace and ease, for the vibrant golden-white colors, next to the grey metallic floors, stood out as a welcoming feel to the entire ship interior.

On the upper level could be found the bridge, with its own holographic navicomputer nestled in the centermost part of the room. Janus found this bridge easy to navigate, what with its own cockpit and control panel. It was every Jedi's dream. And Janus couldn't agree more.

Coming out of the bridge was the central chamber, from which an escape pod rested. There were various doors, one leading into the lower level of the ship. A primary conference room and a secondary conference room could be found within the upper level of the ship. Living quarters were situated next to the bridge on left end of the bow, while the secondary, smaller conference room stood opposite the bridge. Inside the primary conference room was located the holocomm, standing out in the central part of the room, from which this conference room could be found standing opposite the bridge, towards the thrusters. Within this conference room, adjacent to the room, stood another living quarters, from which the captain's closet could be found inside the conference room's living quarters.

As to the lower level, down from the stairs in the central chamber of the upper level, was a massive engine room, from which the hyperdrive, containing the ability to travel through space in a quicker amount of time, stood out in the opposite end of the lower level. The medical bay was not too far away from the engine room, and could be found within its own pocket space within the lower level. A cargo room was also found here, nestled in the lower level, carrying all of Janus and her crew's supplies and food. The ship's central access chamber could also be found on this level.

In all, it was a very decent ship, with lots to do and see in its grand, spacious interior. Janus was impressed, but more so, that she had information on the ship stored in her datapad. Janus recalled the ship's exterior and interior details from the ship's blueprint in her datapad. It was extraordinary, the lengths the Jedi would go to accommodate her and her crew with a ship. A very functional ship.

What more could Janus ask for?

"Janus, come on!" Helen waved Janus over, much to Jock's chagrin. At last, the trio entered the primary conference room, from which Helen readied the holocomm to speak with Jedi Master Yuvon, who was awaiting her call. "We're all ready to take off."

"Good. Good," Master Yuvon stated, leaving Janus suspicious towards his actions. Master Yuvon recovered, smirking, "Any chance of you reaching Shapeshifter's Haven will all depend on you. Good luck."

Helen bowed in return. "And to you." She watched Master Yuvon's hologram vanish within the holocomm. Helen looked at Janus, who seemed keen to get this journey started. Helen looked at Janus, telling her, "I'll prep the ship for takeoff. You and Jock do whatever you want. Meet me on the bridge, when you're ready."

Jock spoke in a rather loud, hushed voice, "And I think I'll head to the engine room. If you ladies want to accommodate me down there, I'd be happy to oblige."

Helen waved her hand at him, deliberating her next move, "No, not me. I'll head off to the bridge and maintain control over my piloting skills. I am a pilot. I do know how to steer a ship."

Jock looked at her, wide-eyed, "You do? That's so cool!"

Helen smirked, delighted, "Thank you. Shall we proceed?"

Jock nodded, "Gladly. Excuse me," he quietly told Janus.

Janus looked around, wondering what to do. She looked back at Helen and Jock, but they had already departed to do their rounds: Jock in the engine room and Helen on the bridge. Janus was left wondering what she should do.

~o~

In the catacombs of a nearby cave tunnel, not far from where the Caves and their tunnel networks, leading to the Underworld, were found, a young Sith Pureblood made her way inside. This cave tunnel was a rest stop for any Sith that dared to leave the Sith Temple behind for a while. However, this young Sith Pureblood, donned in her jet-black Sith robes, complete with its own variation of a Sith tabard, made her stand out amongst the Sith. This Sith Pureblood didn't care! She was glad to have been part of a noble Sith species!

Still, this Sith Pureblood, her name was Mara Seethe, could only find herself amongst the other Sith Purebloods, as well as an assortment of other creatures, known greatly amongst the Sith. And yet, Mara could take all the confidence she needed! That much was clear, even as she neared the naval officer, who left her an important message.

"Melkor wishes to see you," the human naval officer said, bowing to her before taking his leave.

"Melkor? Very odd," Mara instructed, hesitant to go up to Melkor. Mara shrugged, making her way through the catacombs until she came out into a throne room, complete with a gossamer stone throne! Mara's palms shook violently as she pulled out her yellow-beamed lightsaber.

Melkor could only laugh! "You little shrimp! When was the last time you ever felt yourself in my presence?" Melkor sighed, looking at her now. "My, my! Aren't we divine?"

Mara hissed. "You said you had a mission for me? What is it?"

Melkor snickered. The very thought of what he could do enticed him to follow through with his plans. "Ah yes! You. I have a mission for you." He paused for dramatic effect, loving the way the dark atmosphere filled up this catacomb.

Mara trembled under the weight of the darkness, impounding upon her heart. She collapsed on the floor, turning off her lightsaber, as she landed on her knees. She did not know what to do. She glanced up at Melkor, who only laughed at her.

"Such a pity to be here with me, isn't it Mara? Hmm…" Melkor got back to business, "…ah yes! Your task. Your task is simple: there is a Jedi starship, the Defender, making its way across the land to a place called Shapeshifter's Haven. I want you to scout this ship and take its prisoners," Melkor chuckled, "indeed, the Jedi are prisoners at their own game. Bring them to me and I will reward you. Fail, and you will be dealt with properly."

"What? Oh! At once, my lord," Mara said, darting off towards the opening with much fright. She put her lightsaber away fast, as she neared the opening.

Melkor hissed, leaving Mara stopping for a second with heartache, "And Mara, don't betray us again. One betrayal is enough."

Mara sighed, remaining in stillness. She looked back at Melkor, nodding to him, "I won't forget. Thank you." Whether Mara would stay with the Sith was a good question. These villains meant nothing to her anyway.

~o~

Back on the Jedi starship, the Defender, Janus made her way down to the engine room to check up on Jock. It was the first time Janus entered the engine room aboard this ship. She certainly didn't want to miss it!

As she neared the engine room, Janus spotted the medical bay and the cargo room in the lower level's chamber, coming up to the engine room. This ship appeared to have everything that a Jedi could ever want or need, with much room to spare. And yet, Janus' journey led her into the engine room, with its own control panel, huge iron pipes, a spot for the hyperdrive, and room enough for the thrusters.

It was here Janus found Jock setting up the parts needed to repair the ship, which hadn't been touched before. Janus appeared to have interrupted him.

"This engine room looks nice," Janus stated, admiring the engine room.

Jock shook his head. "Faeries won't be allowed inside the engine room, due to the iron pipes. This is the only safe spot for me, where I'm kept safe and sound from them."

Janus folded her arms, concerned, "You and the Fae don't get along very well? But you were excited to get into the faery forest! Weren't you?"

Jock shook his head. "To be honest, I've had dealings with faeries in the past. Just before we met, I stuck a bargain with them: that I would keep my true love safe. The faeries didn't agree and nearly slayed me for it. The faeries would rather keep my lovers to themselves."

Janus shook her head. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "I'm sorry! If there's anything I can do—!"

"Do! Haven't you done enough?" Jock asked, tensely. He slammed some papers down on the control panel's desk surface, contemplating what to do. He sighed, apologizing to her, "I'm sorry. I know, we're friends. If I were to have a lover, the faeries would take her from me. I can't risk that."

Janus sighed in anticipation. She feared she knew the answer to this question. "And have you found a lover?"

Jock sighed, admiring the control panel, before facing her, "You know I have. It's you." Janus' mouth gaped open. Jock was unsurprised, but laughed, "What? Why are you looking at me like that? You already love me! Admit it!"

Janus blushed, hardly containing herself. "We've been friends for a long while. My feelings for you have grown stronger."

"Then you know what we should do," Jock rested his furry spotted paw against hers. Janus looked up, fearing the worst should happen, but noticing the best in him. Jock told her, leaning in, "I must protect you. Should we enter faery lands, the faeries will take you. I cannot risk that, not even if means…"

Janus nodded, waiting for his answer. "Even if it means what?"

Jock sighed. He moved away from her, moving his paw off of her, leaving Janus sighing in agitation and ecstasy. For a moment there, she nearly thought they would kiss. But she would wait. Oh, she knew they were ready, but they needed to ask each other first, before doing such a thing. Oh, why must these moments happen?

"What, Jock? What were you going to say?" Janus asked, courteously.

Jock waved his paw in the air, carrying a wrench that he just picked up from off the control panel's desk surface. "Ah, never mind. Who knew love would prove so complicated?"

Janus blushed, smirking as she watched him work. Jock huffed, deliberating his next move, "You'd better go. See how Helen is doing?"

"We'll meet again. Won't we, Jock?" Janus said, hardly containing her sympathies and love for him. It was unquenchable!

Jock let out a smirk, happy to have her as his companion and crew member. "Of course, we will!" He breathed in and out, hardly containing his passion and excitement for her. "You know we will!"

"Great!" Janus knew the way of love was forbidden among the Jedi. But she couldn't help it! Jock was so perfect for her! Would the Jedi even allow a marriage with the Sith? No, no, no. She was jumping to conclusions.

And yet, her heart knew a different story, a different matter. Oh, whatever was she to do?

Janus looked back at Jock as he worked, sighing, "You are always a good friend and companion, maybe more." She stated, knowing he heard her, too. Janus smiled, departing from the engine room, but not before telling him, "I'll see you!" And left the engine room.

However, Jock grinned happily, waving to her as she went, "See you later! Truly, we will find each other again. This I promise!"

Janus giggled, making her way out of the engine room with good spirits. When Janus made it into the chamber on the upper level, she was set to seek out Shapeshifter's Haven. So then, she made her way to the bridge, to see what Helen was up to. Granted, Helen was a shapeshifter, too, right? It only made sense, given her title: the Shapeshifter.

Just who was Helen? What was her backstory? Not that Helen had mentioned it at some point, along their journey.

Still, the moment Janus arrived on the bridge, she spotted Helen over by the captain's chair, setting the ship up for arrival on the grand countryside. They weren't even anywhere near Shapeshifter's Haven. They still had a way to go. It was then Helen set the controls to autopilot and scooched her way off the captain's chair, with delight to have freedom aboard the ship.

The moment Helen saw Janus, however, a cold front burst forth. It was this cold that set Helen's teeth on edge. She knew something had happened between Janus and Jock! She just couldn't pinpoint what.

"Had a good time with Jock?" Helen stated, advising caution.

Janus shrugged. Unsure what she meant. "What do you mean?"

Helen huffed. She waved her hand, diving for a drink from her mead bottle. "I'd be careful around Jock. He's not to be trusted."

Janus snickered. Did she miss something? "But you two were getting along well. What at the temple and the Cave, as well as the faery forest! Come on! Jock's not that bad, is he?"

Helen huffed. She had to teach Janus about discernment. "Do you really think I trust him, let alone you? Bah! If it weren't for me guiding you two, we wouldn't be here! I am your Master."

Janus sighed, for she knew how tough this was going to be. "Look, Jock isn't that bad, and neither am I. I don't see why you're still so peeved at us."

Helen glared at her, suspiciously. It was time for answers. "Do you love him?" Helen asked.

Janus shrugged, wondering what sort of question this was. "I do. He's my friend, my companion, besides you. Why wouldn't I care about our crew?"

Helen looked up, wondering what else they could do. "Listen, just keep Jock at arm's length, will you? I've heard enough." She made her way over to the captain's chair, deliberating on what to do next with Janus and Jock.

Janus glowered at Helen, clearly not impressed. "What's your problem? What is your backstory?"

"I already told you, back at the temple. Weren't you paying attention?" Helen said, plainly.

"About your mother and how I was responsible for her loss," Janus stated. "I thought you had forgiven me."

Helen clicked her tongue. She heard enough.

Janus shook her head. "You know, that wouldn't have happened if Maximus…"

"Maximus is a good dog. Or was, now that he's gone."

"What's up with you? You've been behaving like this, ever since I met you! What is your story? There's more to it?" Janus crossed her arms, annoyed with Helen's behavior.

Helen bit her lip, not wanting to talk about her past. "It isn't for me to say."

"You can tell me. I'll listen," Janus said, curious.

Helen shook her head, deliberating on what to do. "I'll tell you later. Right now, let's focus on our mission."

"Right. Let's do that," Janus said, walking out of the bridge to an annoyed Helen, who continued with her work.